Bad Cats
Bad Cats, released by Williams in 1989, brings a whimsical feline twist to the pinball world.
The playfield is a colorful urban landscape overrun by mischievous cats. Bright yellows, reds, and blues dominate, creating a cartoonish, comic book-like aesthetic. Ramps and targets are themed around cat-related mayhem - tipped trash cans, scratched furniture, and fish bones.
A standout feature is the "Catfight" multiball mode, triggered by spelling out C-A-T-S on the playfield. This unleashes multiple balls, representing a chaotic alley cat brawl, with players aiming to "catch" cats for big points.
The backglass artwork depicts a gang of tough-looking alley cats causing havoc in a city neighborhood. The style is bold and humorous, with exaggerated expressions on the cats' faces that capture their "bad" attitudes.
As a late 80s solid-state machine, Bad Cats features a lively sound package. Cat yowls, hisses, and purrs accompany the action, along with a funky, urban-themed soundtrack. Voice callouts might include phrases like "Bad Cats on the prowl!"
Williams incorporated several innovative features, including a rotating "Cat Wheel" target in the center of the playfield that players can spin for various bonuses.
Different modes reference classic cat behavior, such as the "Midnight Prowl" or "Catnip Frenzy," each offering unique scoring opportunities.
Bad Cats stands out for its lighthearted theme and humorous take on feline mischief, offering players a chance to embrace their inner troublemaker in a fun, pinball format.
UncleWilly